“Grilling, broiling, barbecuing - whatever you want to call it - is an art, not just a matter of building a pyre and throwing on a piece of meat as a sacrifice to the gods of the stomach.”
-James Beard, 'Beard on Food' (1974)
Welcome to the July issue of Seasoned Cooking. July is a month that is marked by summer entertaining and celebrating. Whether you are enjoying fireworks and burgers on the Fourth of July or a casual al fresco dinner on the porch, July brings us hot days and great food. We tend to focus on cool foods and dishes that don't require us to spend much time in a hot kitchen. In that spirit, we're sharing lots of ways to spend more time enjoying the summer and less time slaving in front of a stove.
We begin with a look at grilling. If you are planning a Fourth of July cookout that involves kids, look no further than our special feature on kid-friendly grilling. You can find ideas that will appeal to both the kids and the adults at your gathering. If you're worried that the summer grilling season is going to cost you your waistline, you'll love the Slim Woman's Secret To Grilling feature that will help you enjoy the season without needing a bigger fall wardrobe. The Ingredient SpotLight focuses on ground beef and includes among its recipes a stellar option for the grill: Greek Hamburgers. Finally, take full advantage of the Seasoned Cooking archives by visiting the Kitchen Focus colum for a trio of grilling menus featuring favorites from past issues put together in completely new menus.
July is also about casual dining and fresh ingredients. We're doing our best to help you there, too. You can begin with a salad that's perfect for a summer brunch in the Rise 'n Shine column. It features roasted asparagus, lots of fresh vegetables and toasted bread and plays nicely with both lunch and breakfast offerings. If you are looking for other ways to enjoy salad, consider giving the dressing recipe in Phil's International Flair a spin. It's based on a classic from a well-known restaurant. Finally, if you are looking for the perfect recipe for enjoying at a casual picnic, consider the fish tacos offered at the Rush Hour column. They are easy and fun and make a great summer entertaining choice.
There is a lot more to be discovered in this issue. Enjoy it and share it with your friends. And don't forget to tell us about what you like and don't like by using our feedback forms in every article. Enjoy the opportunities to spend time with friends and loved ones that July brings and here's to a seasoned lifestyle.
